村田 浩道 Hiromichi Murata
Monk Name: Koudou ・ Representative of PLUS WILD ・ Nature and Zen trail adventure Chubu area mountain guide
Bio
Hiromichi Murata was born in Shiga Prefecture in 1971 and grew up in a Zen temple in a rural town with a rich natural environment. When he was in the third grade of elementary school, he discovered the joy of mountains and adventure through mountain stream fishing. Hiromichi Murata did much mountain climbing during his college years, and after graduation he returned to his birthplace Zen temple after completing his training period at Eiheiji Temple. After working in campsite management and running a buckwheat noodle shop, he encountered long trails and then became involved in the production of long trails throughout Japan. Currently he is engaged in the planning of long trail projects and PLUS WILD, a mountain guide service company he established, where he manages a Zen Buddhist temple and conveys the truths of nature.
Message
Our guide service is based in the mountainous areas from Kansai to Hokuriku and the Chubu Alpine National Park. We specialize in providing adventure tourism that includes not only strenuous activities, but also local folklore, culture, and history. We provide experiences that allow you to enjoy the entirety of the region you visit. Our unique feature is that we offer experiences that match Zen culture to nature.
Guide Q&A
Q: What is your most memorable experience in nature?
A traverse ascent of the Hotaka mountain range in severe winter. I felt awe and excitement seeing the severely beautiful snow- and ice-covered rock ridges facing me. Being at the mercy of the overwhelming nature, I felt that I was a part of nature and that the truth of nature existed within me. The experience of facing harsh natural environments was also utilized in my later Zendo training.
Q: What does nature represent to you?
A place that teaches us the truths we need to live with strength.
Q: What has nature taught you?
To live in imitation of nature, and that nature is also within us.
Q: What do you hope that people will get out of experiences with you as a guide?
Nature is so familiar to us, so ubiquitous, that it is difficult to recognize its message. Through the activities and adventure tourism offered by PLUS WILD, you will experience what it means to follow nature and what nature means to you, enriching your personality and making you a hero throughout your life.
